Clerk endorses Buttigieg for South Bend mayor

SOUTH BEND -- This morning, City Clerk John Voorde endorsed Pete Buttigieg in the Democratic primary for mayor.

"When my father was mayor, South Bend was a booming Midwestern town," Voorde told a group of supporters, according to a news release later. "When I talk with Pete and listen to others talk about him, it's clear that he has the vision and background to take our city to new heights."

Voorde has served as clerk since 2004. He was previously a member of the South Bend Common Council. His father, Edward "Babe" Voorde was mayor from 1956 until 1960.

Voorde is running for re-election and is unopposed in the Democratic primary. No Republican filed to oppose Voorde in the general election in November.

Buttigieg, who is 29, worked for McKinsey & Co., a consulting firm, where he was responsible for advising senior business and government leaders on economic development, energy policy and other issues.

"The next mayor must have a strong and open working relationship with the city clerk," Buttigieg said. "I'm honored to have John's support and I look forward to moving South Bend forward with John and the other members of our community who believe our city's brightest days are still ahead."